We had such a fun pre-Valentine’s celebration with some of our NYC Insider Club members and their friends at NARS Cosmetics. Valerie Smaldone gives thumbs up to Patrick’s – a new restaurant in the theatre district. Miriam Silverberg has the scoop on new exhibits at the Morgan Library and Museum, one of our favs. Make sure to get your tickets to “Defeat the Streets”, a variety show by NYC artists to help the homeless.  And don’t forget the Chinese New Year Parade this weekend in Chinatown. And check out a few highlights, like the Orchid show, of more fun things to do this month.

Feb. 27 – March 2. Benefit by NYC Artists to Defeat the Street

NYC Artists have come together for a fabulous variety showcase fundraiser to benefit Coalition For The Homeless. There are four performances that include poetry, dance, live music and short plays. Get the details.

Feb. 21-24. Dance Festival

If you love ballroom and Latin dancing, order your reserved seats at New York Dance Festival in ballrooms at the Roosevelt Hotel. Enjoy ballroom, Latin, rhythm, and smooth dance heats.  Get the details.

Feb. 22 – March 17. Children’s Film Festival

New York International Children’s Film Festival  welcomes over 25,000 young people, parents, and movie-lovers to explore the world without leaving NYC. The festival presents the best new animation, live action, documentary, and experimental film from across the globe.

Since 1997, 38 Festival films have been recognized with Academy Awards® and nominations, and in 2011 New York International Children’s Film Festival became an Oscar®-qualifying event. As such, winners of our juried prizes are eligible for Academy consideration in the Best Live Action and Best Animated Short Film categories.  Get the details

Feb. 23-April 28. The Orchid Show: Singapore

Every year there is a spectacular display of orchids at the New York Botanical Garden and this year’s show is a dazzling tribute to the “City in a Garden” soars to new heights with thousands of orchids climbing to the sky.

Singapore—where the national flower is an orchid—is the inspiration for the 17th annual Orchid Show. Elevate your interest in these storied flowers that are an integral part of the island’s culture and landscape. Developed in partnership with Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens, the exhibition pays homage to the sites’ iconic Supertrees—dramatic vertical habitats, and famed Arches—a highlight of the National Orchid Garden.  Get your tickets.